I have been experiencing hay fever symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes since this week. Since I go out fully equipped with a mask and glasses, I would like to spend a relaxing time at home at least, but I wonder why my symptoms have not subsided at all....

The cause may actually lie in the "outside air" that we allow to enter our homes without our knowledge.


According to Dr. Kunihiro Kiyomasu, an allergy specialist, approximately 60% of the pollen entering the room is due to "ventilation. In addition to preventing pollen from entering the house as much as possible by "not opening all the windows" and "using curtains," it is necessary to remove pollen that has entered the house by using a vacuum cleaner or air purifier.

In addition, since fine particles can enter through the air even when windows are closed, it is very effective to have a high-density filter such as a HEPA filter in the air inlet pathway to the room as a countermeasure.

So what exactly can we do about this? I have searched for countermeasure goods that can be used immediately, and will introduce them here!

◆Small but unexpected "air supply vents"

Air supply vents are now installed in 54% of Japanese homes as part of the 24-hour ventilation system. Pollen can also enter through these small holes where air is constantly being replaced.


The "Filterlet Air Purifying Filter" series from 3M Japan is a sheet that reduces pollen, PM2.5, and other air contaminants by simply attaching it to the inside of the air intake opening to let in purified air.


◆Be careful to ventilate while cleaning! Filters for screen door"

When cleaning a room, you still want to open the windows to let fresh air in. Nitoms "Pollen filter for screen door", which is attached to the screen door, can block about 80% of pollen while ventilating the room.


Although the air permeability is reduced to 1/6, it also allows for a mild lighting effect, and is said to provide privacy measures. The double-sided tape is easy to work with and leaves no residue.


◆Last resort! Pollen-catching curtains

"Pollen-catching curtains" are sold by As One as a "pollen prevention measure that can be taken in interior design. The curtains catch pollen and house dust with an adhesive ingredient moistened on the curtains, and can be used repeatedly by washing.


The curtains themselves are not sticky, and the feel is said to be the same as ordinary ones. It may be a good idea to replace the curtains only during the season.

Smart house" equipped with HEPA filter

By the way, it is not goods, but there is also a way to prevent pollen in the whole house for the rest of your life.

PanaHome's "Smart Home" uses a ventilation system that brings in fresh air from the base space (under the floor) instead of directly introducing outside air. In addition, they have recently developed a new ventilation system that, for the first time in the housing industry, is equipped with a HEPA filter as standard equipment and can remove even minute particles such as PM0.5, which is even finer than PM2.5.


Although the amount of pollen flying outside cannot be reduced, it is possible to reduce the amount entering the body by making efforts both indoors and outdoors. Why don't you take a fresh look at your countermeasures before March, when the peak of the pollen season arrives?